Return to Graphic Version

Search Site:

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

Synthetic Turf Field to be Dedicated at Great Falls Nike Park

On Saturday, March 2, 2013, players, officials and members of the community will gather at Great Falls Nike Park Field #4 to dedicate the new synthetic turf field and state-of-the-art lighting system which were recently installed. The $1.4 million project was the result of a cooperative venture between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority, Great Falls Lacrosse, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Athletic Council as well as the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Stormwater Division and Land Development Services. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the field located at 1089 Utterback Store Road in Great Falls, VA. The public is welcome.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said of the project, “I am grateful that we were able to work with the Park Authority, Great Falls Lacrosse and many others to deliver the first synthetic turf field in Great Falls. The community, and especially the youth who play on the field, will greatly benefit from the cooperation, hard work and creative efforts of the many groups and individuals who helped make it happen.”

Several key actions by individual agencies resulted in the timely and cost-effective completion of this project. For example, DPWES became aware of this project and offered to evaluate design options which would enhance stormwater controls and measures as part of the field conversion project. Their hope was to utilize the project to help resolve past flooding issues in the neighborhood. DPWES funded all design and construction costs related to these enhanced stormwater controls and measures which were installed as part of the project. DPWES has funded over $365,000 towards stormwater remediation.

Additionally, in an effort to expedite the infrastructure renovation project, the County Open-End contract incorporating the AEPA cooperative national contract for synthetic turf field improvements was utilized.

The project is part of the ongoing efforts by Fairfax County to meet the growing need for rectangular fields and address the current field shortage. Lighted synthetic turf fields increase field capacity by approximately 62%; provide even playing surfaces, as well as all-weather access for players. For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.